Trichothecenes apoptosis

Trichothecene-Induced Inflammatory Gene Expression and Apoptosis... 

TRICHOTHECENE-INDUCED INFLAMMATORY GENE EXPRESSION AND APOPTOSIS... 

Exposure to trichothecenes at levels that partially inhibit translation upregulates expression of many inflammatory and immune-related genes including macrophage, Thl and Th2 cytokines as well as chemokines, cyclooxygenase 2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase.1518 Contrastingly, suppressive effects of trichothecenes on leukocyte function are intimately linked with the induction of apoptosis as has been demonstrated in macrophages, T cells and B cells both in vivo and in vitro.19-20... 

What are the mechanisms by which trichothecenes exert their transcriptional and post-transcriptional effects The 60S ribosomal subunit is a well-known molecular target of trichothecenes in leukocytes and other actively proliferating eukaryotic cells,3 whereas attempts to demonstrate alternative receptors have not been successful.37 38 Translational inhibitors that bind to ribosomes rapidly activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and apoptosis via a mechanism termed the ribotoxic stress response. 39-40... 

High doses of trichothecenes promote rapid onset of leukocyte apoptosis which likely contributes to immunosuppression. DON and other trichothecenes cause apoptosis in vitro in primary T-cells, B-cells and IgA+ B cells20 as well as HL-60,53 U937 and RAW 264.7 cell lines43 via caspase-mediated mechanisms.54 These in vitro findings are relevant to the intact animal since in vivo administration of trichothecenes to rodents results in apoptosis in thymus, spleen and bone marrow.55-56 Capacity of a trichothecene to induce apoptosis corresponds to ability to inhibit translation.57... 

Islam, Z. et al. Endotoxin potentiation of trichothecene-induced lymphocyte apoptosis is mediated by up-regulation of glucocorticoids. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 180, 43, 2002. 

Yang, G. et al. Apoptosis induction by the satratoxins and other trichothecene mycotoxins Relationship to ERK, p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK Activation. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 164, 149-160, 2000. 

Shifrin, V. I. and Anderson P. Trichothecene mycotoxins trigger a ribotoxic stress response that activates c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and induces apoptosis. J. Biol. Chem. 274, 13985, 1999. 

Zhou, H. R. et al. Lipopolysaccharide and the trichothecene vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol) synergistically induce apoptosis in murine lymphoid organs. Toxicol. Sci. 53, 253, 2000. 

Trichothecenes cause apoptosis and/or necrosis in the lymphoid, hematopoietic, and gastrointestinal systems resulting in leukopenia, vomiting, and diarrhea that can be lethal. In addition, trichothecenes are toxic to the skin and testes. Immune suppression and increased susceptibihty to infection may occur, especially in the late phase of the disease. The toxic effects from trichothecenes largely resemble those following radiation exposure (radiomimetic) due to effects on rapidly dividing cells in the intestine, bone marrow, and testis. 

Trichothecenes inhibit synthesis of protein, RNA and DNA as well as mitochondrial and electron transport chain function stimulate lipid peroxidation alter cell membrane function induce apoptosis modulate immune responses activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and induce gene expression of numerous chemokines and cytokines and alter neurotransmitter levels. 

Experimentally, the macrocyclic trichothecenes satra-toxin G, isosatratoxin F, and roridin A have been shown to cause nasal and pulmonary toxicity when administered intranasally or intratracheally to mice. Intranasal exposure of satratoxin G and roridin A induced apoptosis of olfactory sensory neurons resulting in atrophy of the olfactory epithelium and olfactory nerve layer of the olfactory bulb in the frontal brain (Islam et al, 2006, 2007). Alveolar-type II cells and alveolar macrophages were injured following intratracheal instillation of isosatratoxin F or Stachybotrys spores with marked changes in surfactant synthesis and secretion (Rand et al, 2002). 

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